Basque Country Travelers Recommend

Three days in San Sebastian give you chance to sample flavors of the Basque country, hit the beach, and visit historic landmarks in the city center. San Sebastian also serves as a gateway to the Basque country and France, and is a jumping off point for hiking the iconic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. Here’s how to make the most of your time.

Day 1: Discover the Historic Center

Home to highlights such as San Sebastian Cathedral to La Concha Beach, San Sebastian’s compact historic center is the perfect place to start exploring. A hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a flexible mix of handpicked stops and time to explore on your own, while other sightseeing options include walking tours, electric bike excursions, and tours by private vehicle. Before you break for lunch, pick a must-see San Sebastian museum to visit. Highlights include San Telmo Museum, Museo Naval, and Casa de la Historia; save time waiting at each by booking your admission ticket in advance.

Now that you’ve taken in a day’s worth of culture and history, trade your walking shoes for bare feet at La Concha Beach. San Sebastian’s most popular swimming and surfing spot is just steps away from the historic center and has changing rooms onsite, so you can linger here until the sun sets on the water.

Day 2: Hike the Camino de Santiago

The famous Camino de Santiago, a hiking trail and pilgrimage route that stretches hundreds of miles across France and Spain, passes close to San Sebastian. However, you don’t need to spend weeks on the trail to experience the famous route. Hiking tours of the Camino de Santiago, which is sometimes called the Way of St. James, take care of transport and get you equipped for a day on the trail.

If you’re not a hiker, consider a day trip across the border to southwest France, where you’ll encounter French-accented Basque culture in Saint Jean de Luz, Biarritz, and Guethary. Even the wine-making powerhouses of Bordeaux and St. Emilion are within reach; compare and contrast their flavors with Spanish wines on a food tour that reveals local favorites.

Day 3: Flavors of Basque Country

Today, take a deep dive into the flavors that make San Sebastian distinctive and sample local wine and food. Wine tours of San Sebastian typically feature the region’s unique Txakoli, a dry and acidic white wine, and leave you free to indulge without having to worry about driving.

Next, go gourmet. San Sebastian’s most beloved snacks are pintxos, small plates similar to Spanish tapas. To learn which are the must-try pintxos —as well as the do’s and don’ts of visiting pintxos bars—join a guide for a tasting tour of the city. Options for San Sebastian tapas tours range from private excursions to group outings that are a great way to meet fellow food-loving travelers.

Three days in Bilbao give you plenty of time to get to grips with the city’s art, architecture, and food, and explore the villages and landscapes of the surrounding Basque Country. Here’s how to make the most of 72 hours in Bilbao.

Day 1: Take in the Highlights

If you’re an art lover, make a beeline for the Guggenheim in the morning to beat the crowds. While you can explore the gallery independently, visiting with a private guide allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the contemporary art exhibits inside the Gehry-designed building, as well as surrounding attractions such as Jeff Koons’ Puppy sculpture. Otherwise, starting your day on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus lets you get your bearings and pinpoint places you’d like to visit later in the day.

In the afternoon, visit the Fine Arts Museum or take a walking (or running) tour of the city, which typically include stops at Casco Viejo and Abandoibarra. Meanwhile, food lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to get to grips with Bilbao’s pintxos scene during a food tour that includes a market visit and wine tasting session.

Day 2: Branch into Basque Country

Use your second day to escape the city. If you’re a GOT fan, take a half- or full-day Game of Thrones excursion, most of which stop by Dragonstone aka San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Meanwhile, non-Game of Thrones fans can opt for trips along the Basque Coast: tours sometimes incorporate border crossings into French Basque Country and stop in Getaria.

If you’re a food and wine lover, dedicate day two to exploring La Rioja region on a tour that comes complete with wine tastings and vineyard visits, or venture to San Sebastián to take part in a specialized wine or gastronomic excursion.

Day 3: Relax in Bilbao

On your final day in Bilbao, take it easy with some shopping, strolling, and panoramic views. In the morning, cross the Zubizuri Bridge and ride the Artxanda Funicular to Artxanda Mountain to enjoy sweeping city views. Then, enjoy a spot of shopping along Gran Vía.

Once back in the center, kayak down the Bilbao estuary or take the opportunity to stop by any galleries, museums, or attractions you didn’t manage to squeeze into your first day’s itinerary. To round out the afternoon, swap your kayak for a cruise along the river and get a new perspective on the city before spending your final evening in Bilbao out for dinner. Dishes such as txangurro (spider crab) are typical of the region.

Spain’s Basque Country is filled with world-class cuisine, spectacular coastlines, and sweet little villages worth a wander. From the coast to the wine region, here are a few of the area’s most picturesque villages, each an easy day trip from cities like Bilbao or San Sebastian.

Hondarribia

This seaside border town near France is marked by rainbow-hued homes decorated with ornate wooden facades and flowerpot-bedecked balconies. Explore the fortressed old town, with its still-standing medieval walls, or visit the Castle of Charles V (which now houses a Parador Hotel) and the Gothic-style Santa Maria de la Asunción cathedral.

Zarautz

Known for a beach with some of the best surfing conditions in Northern Spain, this coastal town is home to a web of medieval streets. Its old quarter is packed with numerous historic sites, some dating back as far as the 15th century. Combine a tour with the nearby fishing village of Orio on the Guipuzcoa Coast.

Laguardia

For the ultimate viticulture experience in Rioja, set your sights on the village of Laguardia. This walled-in town sits atop a maze of bodegas (wine shops)—there are so many that the whole pueblo (village) often smells like grapes and barrels. Wander the town’s narrow streets, snack on local cuisine (like pintxos, Basque Country’s answer to tapas), or venture underground to experience the subterranean wine cellars for yourself.

Getaria

This fishing village is the proud birthplace of historical figures like Juan Sebastián Elcano—Magellan’s second-in-command on his trip around the world—and more recently, fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. Be sure to spend time at the Balenciaga museum and sample local delights like pescado a la brasa —a barbecued fish—and txakoli, Basque Country’s signature dry white wine.

St-Jean-de-Luz

Located in French Basque Country between Biarritz and the Spanish border, this small fishing village is known for its colorful harbor and historic houses, as well as its picturesque sandy beach.

Its easy to forget that you’re in Spain when you visit the Basque Country (País Vasco). From Bilbao’s cutting-edge art scene to the Basque coastline, here’s how to experience the Basque Country’s rich culture over three days.

Day 1: Bilbao

Spend your first day in the Basque Country exploring one of its greatest treasures—Bilbao. In the morning, explore the Guggenheim, Spain’s largest art museum, with an art historian guide for insight into its collection of modern and contemporary art. 

After lunch, stroll the cobbled streets of the Old Town (Casco Viejo) as part of a walking tour, which typically cover highlights such as Plaza Nueva, La Ribera Market, the Cathedral of Santiago, and the Bidebarrieta (Central Library). Bilbao’s riverside is a perfect setting for a cycling excursion. In the evening, get your first taste of pintxos (the Basque version of tapas) during a food-and-wine tour of Bilbao’s best local spots.

Day 2: San Sebastian

Throughout Europe, San Sebastián is famous for its seafood-based and artfully-presented cuisine. Unanimously considered Spain’s finest tapas, pintxos would be reason enough to visit this elegant coastal resort, but you’ll also be enchanted by its beach and atmospheric Old Town. Start your day with a tour around town, either on foot or by bike, followed by an afternoon cooking class, most of which focus on the art of pintxo making. 

Then, take a break from eating by watching sunset at the beach before you join a local for a bar and restaurant hop through the Old Town, where you can dry the local delicacy of txakoli, a lightly sparkling wine often served with pintxos.

Day 3: Wine Country

Head south today on a day trip to La Rioja, Spain’s most-celebrated wine region. Explore its charming villages and revel in its scenic countryside while you sample the fruits of its countless bodegas (wineries). Leave the driving to someone else by opting for a tour of wine country; you’ll typically stop at several wineries to learn more about the wine making process, sample some of Rioja’s best wines, and enjoy views of the Basque Country’s scenic countryside. Most tours also include lunch.

The Basque region is one of the world’s best fine dining destinations, with some 40 Michelin starred restaurants. Take this evening as an opportunity to book a table at one of them for a dinner to remember.

With two days in San Sebastian, branch out beyond the narrow lanes and landmarks in the compact historic center. It’s time enough to taste your way through tapas bars, lounge on sandy beaches, hike the surrounding hills, and visit Basque vineyards in the countryside. Use these planning tips to make the most of a 2-day stay. 

Day 1: City Exploring

**Morning:**Discover San Sebastian’s historic center by exploring the key landmarks, from the Buen Pastor Cathedral to the Batería de Santiago. Options include hop-on hop-off tours, walking tours, cycling tours, and more; they’re a great way to discover new places.

**Afternoon:**Whatever the season, head to one of San Sebastian’s lovely beaches for the afternoon, whether you’re bundled up for a stroll, taking a surf lesson, sunbathing, or swimming in the chilly ocean.

**Night:**San Sebastian pintxos—that’s the local term for tapas—are a city institution, with crowds of locals and visitors strolling from bar to bar each evening. Join a tapas tour to discover some of the best places to eat and drink, choosing from specialties that include fresh-caught seafood and plates of Basque sheep cheese.

Day 2: Natural Beauty

**Morning:**Just beyond the city is Monte Ulia, a ridge with beautiful views across San Sebastian and the coast. One of the trail options here is the Way of St. James, a historic pilgrimage route; hike a section on your own or join a guided tour that bundles the hike with round-trip transport and other activities.

**Afternoon:**After an active morning, treat yourself to a wine tasting—Basque country is famed for dry, white wines called txakoli. Guided wine tours can take you straight to the vineyards where txakoli is made, combining a wine tasting with a glimpse of the countryside surrounding San Sebastian.

**Night:**Now that you’ve experienced San Sebastian pintxos, learn to reproduce the small plates in a hands-on cooking class. Whether you’re all about cooking technique or just interested in a fun night of food, wine, and socializing with fellow travelers, choose an experience that’s tailored to you.

Bilbao may be the largest city in both the Basque Country and northern Spain, but you can still experience its art, architecture, and cuisine in just one day. Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in Bilbao.

Morning: Visit the Guggenheim

Dedicate your first morning to the Guggenheim, Bilbao’s most famous museum, which is best-known for its Frank Gehry architecture and vast collection of modern art. Beat the crowds by arriving early, and opt for a private or small-group tour to tick off Guggenheim highlights in limited time.

Once you’re done, grab a coffee, enjoy views over the estuary, wander the neighboring República de Abando Park, and snap a photo with Jeff Koons’ Puppy sculpture. Meanwhile, art lovers can explore at the Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao).

Afternoon: Food Fiesta

Spend the afternoon delving into the coveted cuisine of the Basque Country. Food lovers can sample the best of Bilbao’s pintxos (Basque tapas) on a food tour. Some focus entirely on the tapas available in the Old Quarter, while others include wine tasting and a market visit. Alternatively, you can learn to make your own pintxos during a cooking class.

Or, learn more about local history and culture on a walking, running, or boat tour. To explore at your own pace and visit only the attractions that capture your attention, opt for a convenient hop-on hop-off bus service.

Night: Dinner and Drinks

Treat yourself to an extravagant dinner and drinks on your first and final evening in Bilbao. Many of the city’s top restaurants can be found in the Old Quarter, so stroll around until you find an eatery that appeals to you. Must-try dishes include txangurro (spider crab), bacalao pil-pil (fried cod), or bacalao a la Vizcaína (cod in a red pepper and onion sauce).

Round out the evening with some music. The Euskalduna Palace is home to the Basque Symphony Orchestra, while Bilbao as a whole is replete with live music venues to suit most musical tastes.

Modernity and tradition come together in Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country. With two days to explore, you can sample the best of the compact city’s art, cuisine, and culture, and venture to the countryside. Here’s how.

Day 1: Best of Bilbao

Morning: Rise early and arrive at the Guggenheim art museum before the crowds do. As one of the city’s most iconic buildings, it’s a must-see for first-time visitors. Explore as part of a private or small-group tour to discover context that’s crucial to understanding the modern art inside.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon sampling pintxos (Basque tapas) on a food tour of Bilbao— which typically include wine and a market visit—or try your hand at making your own tapas during a cooking class. If you’d rather tick off more sights in less time, opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Night: Enjoy the twinkling lights, after-dark views, and local hangouts of Bilbao on an evening tour that stops at Puente Zubizuri and Plaza Unamuno. Then, dine out and try classic Basque dishes such as bacalao a la Vizcaína (cod in a red pepper and onion sauce) or txangurro (spider crab). Finish with a show at the Euskalduna Palace.

Day 2: Discover the Basque Country

Morning: Wake early on day two for a full-day excursion outside of the city limits. Wine lovers won’t want to miss the chance to visit vineyards and sample wines in La Rioja region, while gastronomes can visit the town of San Sebastián, home to several Michelin-starred restaurants.

Afternoon: If you prefer culture to cuisine, opt instead for a Game of Thrones-themed day trip into the Basque Country; a half-day visit to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Dragonstone); or a day trip to Añana Salt Valley and the Basque Country capital, Vitoria.

Night: Back in the city, branch out of the Old Quarter and head to the New Town. There, you’ll find some of Bilbao’s best bars and clubs, which prove perfect for a celebratory final night. If you’d rather take it easy, ride the Artxanda Funicular to Artxanda Mountain and enjoy views over Bilbao from above.

Basque Country, both culturally and linguistically distinct from the rest of Spain, is known for its mountain peaks, rocky Atlantic coast, and cosmopolitan cities serving some of Europe’s best food. With a week to spend in Basque Country, you’ll have ample time to discover what makes the region unique. Here’s how to plan your time.

Days 1 and 2: Bilbao

Kick off your trip with a couple of days in Bilbao, the largest city in Basque Country and one of Spain’s too often overlooked cultural treasures. Start your explorations with a guided tour of the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, housed within a distinctive Frank Gehry–designed building on the shores of the Nervión River.

Take some time to wander the city center to see highlights such as the entertainment complex Azkuna Zentroa, Arriaga Theatre, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, and the Cathedral de Santiago. For a different perspective, take a guided kayak tour through town along the Nervión River, or tour at your own pace aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.

Don’t leave town without spending an evening nibbling your way through the old town (Casco Viejo) for your first taste of traditional Basque pintxos (a small snack, typically eaten in bars).

Days 3 to 5: San Sebastian

Continue on to the beautiful coastal city of San Sebastian, considered one of Spain’s great foodie cities and an excellent place to dive deeper into the local food culture. Find the best bites by joining a guided food hop to pintxos bars throughout the Old Town, or sign up for a cooking class to learn how to prepare your favorites for yourself.

Between meals, spend some time soaking up the sun on La Concha Beach, sipping cider, or relaxing aboard a sunset cruise along Basque Country’s coastline. If time permits, opt for an excursion into the nearby Rioja wine country to sip and sup at local wineries.

Days 6 and 7: Biarritz and the French Basque Region

Basque Country isn’t just limited to Spain; the region extends into Southern France as well. Head north across the border to Biarritz, part ritzy coastal resort and part surfer paradise. Overlooking the Bay of Biscay, this French Basque setting offers lovely belle époque and art deco architecture and lively beaches. Spend your final day in riverside Bayonne, which ranks among the prettiest towns in southwest France and serves as the capital of French Basque Country. Join a tour to uncover its half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets, and excellent waterside restaurants.

Bilbao—the biggest, buzziest, and most cosmopolitan city in Spain’s Basque Country—hosts an assortment of well-stocked markets. From bazaars piled high with antiques and knickknacks to vast food markets where locals get their groceries, here are a few of the best places to shop in Bilbao. 

Plaza Nueva

Every Sunday, Plaza Nueva in Bilbao’s Old Quarter (Casco Viejo) rings with the din of bartering as treasure hunters trawl the stalls searching for collectibles and other items of value. The offerings at this flea market are diverse: On any given week, you might see used books, vintage jewelry, rare coins, and even live birds. It’s a must-do for anyone who enjoys sifting for bargains. The market is at its biggest and best during summer. 

La Ribera Market (Mercado de la Ribera)

The mother of all Bilbao’s markets and one of Europe’s most famous, this huge indoor market spans three floors and hosts over 180 stands selling all manner of edible goods, from just-plucked-from-the-soil vegetables and fresh-caught fish to cured meats and cheeses. Best of all, the ground floor has a food court where visitors can stuff themselves silly with pintxos (Basque tapas), including crispy, creamy croquettes and slices of bread topped with meat and cheese. 

St. Thomas’ Day Market (Mercado Rural de Santo Tomas)

This annual open-air festive market takes place in late December on Plaza del Arenal and Plaza Nueva. More than 260 sellers truck in produce from all over the Basque Country, with everything from vegetables and bread to talo con chorizo (corn tortilla with sausage) and txakoli (a lightly sparkling white wine) on offer. 

Flower Market (Mercado de las Flores)

Taking place every Sunday in the old town’s Arenal Park, this fabulous flower market is one of the most colorful in the city. In addition to flowers, vendors also hawk houseplants, fresh herbs, and seeds. Even if you don’t plan on purchasing anything, it’s worth coming just to admire the displays. 

San Sebastián may well be Spain’s—if not Europe’s—No. 1 gastronomic hot spot, with everything from Michelin-starred temples of food to casual bars that do a roaring trade in pintxos (Basque Country tapas), found here. Here’s what you need to know about eating in San Sebastián.

Must-Try Dishes

Two influences are most obvious in the San Sebastián food scene: the first is its coastal setting, with seafood playing a starring role on plates, while the second is its Basque heritage. Pintxos (tapas-like bar snacks) are a popular option here and range from traditional potato omelets to slices of white bread topped with cured meats and cheeses. Pintxos are typically paired with txakoli, a slightly effervescent white wine, or Basque cider.

Other commonly consumed Basque seafood dishes include bacalao al pil-pil (salt cod), txangurro (spider crab), txipirones (baby squid in ink sauce), and marmitako (a chunky tuna stew). Meatier fare includes txistorra (the Basque version of chorizo) and txuleta (beef steak from cows reared on the Basque Country hill slopes—typically cooked over coals).

Must-Do Experiences

• Bar-hop around the old town during a wine and pintxos tour.

• Explore a local produce market and visit an exclusive invitation-only gastronomic club during a food tour of San Sebastián.

• Take part in wine tastings and winery tours in Rioja Alavesa, the Basque Country sub-region of La Rioja.

• Discover the secrets of the Basque kitchen during cooking classes with local chefs.

• Learn about Basque Country dairy during a cheese farm and factory tour.

• Delve into the world of Basque cider at a museum devoted to the drink, before stopping for lunch in a traditional cider house.

Wedged between green hills and a sandy beach, San Sebastian is a hub of Basque culture and cuisine. The historic center’s compact size makes exploring easy, from cruising waterfront bike paths to tasting your way through tapas bars. Here’s how to make the most of a day in San Sebastian.

Morning: Active Exploring

Take advantage of San Sebastian’s many bike paths, pedestrian-only streets, and quiet byways by checking out the city on a walking tour or bike tour. Options range from energetic hikes up nearby hills to trips by electric bike that do the work for you. Along the way, you might see pretty La Concha beach, spot the landmark San Sebastian Cathedral, and get views of Mount Ulia. If you prefer the flexibility of visiting the city on your own, hop-on hop-off tours offer the best of both worlds; onboard narration fills you in about the passing sites, and you can discover the things that interest you most.

Afternoon: Hit the Beach

When the weather is good, San Sebastian locals head to the beach for surfing, sunbathing, and swimming. Running along the historic center, La Concha beach is a popular option, with showering and changing facilities on-site. A little farther east is Zurriola Beach, where you can rent a surfboard or take a lesson. A third option is Ondarreta Beach, just west of La Concha. Smaller than the other two, Ondarreta is a family-friendly spot with gentle waves and a lifeguard on duty.

Night: Discover San Sebastian Tapas

Eating tapas is a San Sebastian essential, a nightly tradition for both visitors and locals—and they’re called pintxos here. Tapas bars are stocked with small plates of food, so you can choose what you want to eat as you go. To join in the fun, check out tours of tapas bars in the historic center; they’re a great way to learn about tapas etiquette and traditions while discovering the very best spots. Many tours offer tapas and drinks, with options that include private experiences, group excursions, and more.

Restaurants aren’t the only place locals in San Sebastian go for a quality meal. The Spanish city is also home to several gastronomic societies or private culinary clubs, typically closed to the public. Here’s what you need to know about these foodie forums—and how to experience one for yourself. 

What Is a Gastronomic Society?

Called a txoko in the Basque language, a gastronomic society is a place for the food obsessed to cook, eat, drink, and socialize. Once men-only clubs, gastronomic societies today also welcome women. In communal kitchens, locals gather to experiment with new ways of cooking and share recipes. There are no reservations, no waiters, and no official closing time. Join one of these legendary gatherings and you’ll get the chance to peek behind the curtain of San Sebastian’s vibrant culinary scene. 

How to Visit a Gastronomic Society

While gastronomic societies are notoriously closed to the public and open by invitation only, there are a few tours that offer exclusive access. A private tour of San Sebastian’s Old Town also includes lunch or dinner in a txoko. If you’re interested in exploring the city’s markets, sign up for a private market visit, complete with lunch at a gastronomic society. To get active before a big meal, one tour includes a hike along Saint James Way followed by a gastronomic society dinner. No matter how you do it, spend a night at one of these exclusive clubs and you’ll sample traditional dishes accompanied by local beer, wine, and smiles.

Winemaking has been taking place in Basque Country since ancient times, with the Romans having first tended vines here. The Spanish region’s mild coastal climate and old-growth vines yield high-quality reds and whites. See below to discover what you should be drinking in Basque Country.

Must-Try Varietals

Perhaps the most ubiquitous and most unique wine of Basque Country is txakoli (pronounced “cha-coli”), a fruit-forward and mildly effervescent white. Txakoli is produced in one of three areas with designation of origin status—Getaria, Biscay (Bizkaia), and Álava—and makes for a refreshing accompaniment to seafood pintxos (Basque Country tapas).

Basque Country is also home to Spain’s most renowned wine region: La Rioja. Located to the south of Basque Country, the Rioja Alavesa subregion is known for its full-bodied reds featuring tempranillo grapes, though a small amount of white wine is also produced here using viura (known elsewhere as macabeo) grapes.

Must-Do Experiences

• Bar-hop your way around Bilbao during a food and wine tour of the city.

• Learn about traditional winemaking methods during winery tours in Rioja Alavesa, a segment of the famous La Rioja wine region.

• Pair pintxos with Basque Country pours during an expert-led wine tasting in San Sebastián.

• Sip lightly sparkling txakoli wines during an excursion to Zarautz.

San Sebastian is home to a delightful clash of architectural styles, with medieval townhouses coexisting beside Renaissance monasteries, neo-Gothic churches, Belle Epoque spas, and cutting-edge, contemporary museums. Here are a few notable buildings you shouldn’t miss in this Basque Country city.

Castillo de la Mota

Perched atop Monte Urgull, this medieval stone fortress has existed in some form since the 12th century. The castle now houses the Casa de la Historia museum, and is well worth the climb for its panoramic views of the city.

Plaza de la Constitucion

Life in San Sebastian revolves around the Plaza de la Constitucion in the heart of the Old Town (Parte Vieja). Most of the buildings in this photogenic neighborhood date back to the 19th century, after the city was destroyed in 1813 by English, French, and Portuguese troops. Today the dynamic area teems with cafés and bars serving pintxos (small bar snacks) and txakoli wine, both Basque specialties.

Cathedral Buen Pastor

In the late 19th century, San Sebastian, then a a favored seaside resort of the wealthy, underwent rapid development. Part of this expansion was Buen Pastor, a neo-Gothic cathedral. Opened in 1897, the church was inspired by medieval religious structures in Germany and France.

City Hall (Ayuntamiento)

Admire the delicate Belle Epoque lines at the twin-towered Ayuntamiento (City Hall), which is housed in the former Gran Casino. The building dates back to 1897 and stands on La Concha Bay with Old Town to one side and the quiet Alderi Eder gardens to the other.

Real Club Náutio de San Sebastian

Built in 1928, the Real Club Náutico de San Sebastian was designed in the rationalist architectural style to resemble a moored ship. The unusual building, which houses a yacht club on La Concha Beach, ranks among the benchmark examples of modern architecture in Spain.

Kursaal

The two translucent cubes of the Kursaal were designed by architect Rafael Moneo to look like a pair of beached rocks. The award-winning contemporary building is particularly striking at night, when it’s illuminated and shimmers over La Concha.

The Basque Country may be known for its pintxos (Basque tapas), wine, and beaches, but this northern region of Spain is also home to unique games. Jai alai, locally called pelota, is a high-speed, acrobatic game that is similar to handball.

What Is Jai Alai?

Popular among locals, jai alai includes hitting a leather-covered ball against a high wall. Balls can reach speeds of up to 185 miles (300 kilometers) per hour, and knock-outs are not uncommon. There are several variations of the competitive game, including bare-handed or playing with a paddle made out of wood, leather, or reeds. Pelota matches are frequent in the Basque Country, especially in the summer months when games are held most nights of the week.

How to Experience Basque Pelota

The fast-paced game is also fun for spectators—just be ready to duck at any given moment. If you’re interested in giving it a try, you can book a trial class or jump in with a prematch warm-up.